Send-off planned for local nurse

August 22, 2007

Barb Dobulis, a longtime home visiting nurse, will be honored on her retirement from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan at an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Charlevoix Senior Center.

Dobulis' patients, their families and other members of the community are invited to wish Barb, and her husband John, well before they leave the area for retirement in Florida.

"We had to do something special for Barb and John," said Lynda Bockstahler, director of the Home Care and Aging division of the health department. "They have both been so committed to our programs, including serving on the Board of Directors for Hospice of Northwest Michigan, our hospice program."

Dobulis, a registered nurse, has worked for the health department since 1984, providing thousands of visits to hundreds of patients, mostly in Boyne City and Charlevoix.

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"If I were to design the perfect home health and hospice nurse, Barb would be the model," said Bockstahler. "She does whatever it takes to ensure care and comfort for all of her home health and hospice clients. Plus, her professional clinical skills are excellent, she's a team player and she's always willing to mentor less experienced nurses."

After receiving several nominations from her colleagues, Dobulis received the employee of the year award at the health department's 75th anniversary celebration two years ago.

"Barb has all the attributes that make a great nurse," said Lori Malfroid, home care supervisor, who presented the award. "She is thoughtful and dedicated and she has a great sense of humor. She's also a terrific mentor for nurses who get their clinical educational experience for community health nursing here at the health department. We are going to miss her."

Dobulis was drawn to nursing as a child.

"I thank God because he blessed me with the nursing profession," she said. "I've met so many beautiful people throughout my career and my co-workers are the very best."

Educated at Delta College in Saginaw, Dobulis worked in hospital settings in Saginaw and Cadillac before settling in Charlevoix.

"I've really enjoyed my work at the health department. I am going to miss it," she said.

For more information about the Dobulis open house, contact Joan Duckworth at (231) 547-6092.